Phillip Bolliger : Associate Artist

Phillip Bolliger was born in Sydney in 1963. He studied composition at Sydney University with Peter Sculthorpe, completing the Diploma of Composition. He composes in various styles and his music sometimes contains a humourous element.

As a very young composer he studied with Edwin Carr and won a number of prizes. Amongst his work there is a flute concerto, guitar concerto and a symphony. His Cutty Sark Overture, commissioned by Sutherland Shire Orchestra and written at age 18, was performed by the Combined Secondary Schools Orchestra on a European tour in the 1990s. His most popular work is Benediction of the Whales for trombone and piano. This work has been performed several times by Gregory Van der Struik, principal trombonist, Sydney Opera and Ballet Orchestra. The sea is a constant source of inspiration in his work. His body of works also includes many Greek-style dances for guitar.

As a musician in Sydney he is mostly known as a classical guitarist. He currently can be heard playing as solo guitarist at the Alkoven Restaurant on Narrabeen Lake, on Friday and Saturday nights.

He is married with two young children, Leo (age 4), and Heidi (age 2).